Utah advocacy group rallies for immigration reform – KSL.com
Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY Because Liliana Bolanos' parents brought her from Mexico to America at age 2, people often tell her that her parents are criminals. But she sees it differently.
"My parents are not the villains of my story they are the heroes of my story," Bolanos, of Salt Lake City, said Saturday during a rally promoting immigration reform at the Utah Capitol.
Now an immigration paralegal, and one of the organizers of local group Utah With All Immigrants, Bolanos said the Beehive State is only receptive to some kinds of immigrants. As a DACA recipient, Bolanos has a work permit and protection from deportation rights that are not afforded to her parents, who live in Utah County.
"It's very divisive, and it separates families to say that this member of your family deserves citizenship, and you do not," Bolanos said. "Our group emphasizes the importance that all immigrants are deserving of being advocated for, and respect, because at the end of the day, we are all impacted if one of us doesn't have the rights that the others have."
Bolanos joined other Utahns Saturday in celebrating National Stand With Immigrants Day through their second annual rally calling for immigration reform, along with better education and community awareness of issues faced by immigrants.
The group's mission, according to Bolanos, is "to empower all immigrants in Utah by fostering community, providing representation, promoting awareness, connecting with resources and sharing untold stories."
She said after 22 years, she and her mother were finally given the chance to apply for U.S. citizenship the same year her mother was diagnosed with stage three cancer.
"There are days where I wonder if she will live to see the day she gets a green card," Bolanos said through tears. "So we have to raise our voice for those who can't."
Another local family affected by immigration policies is that of Taylor Heiner, who also participated in the rally. He and his wife, Maleny, went to Mexico in August to apply for her green card. But the immigration officer denied her access, meaning she is stuck indefinitely in Mexico.
"She grew up in the United States this is her home. We've filed multiple expedites, and the only thing we can do is wait," Heiner said.
During the rally, Heiner called for policy reform, and encouraged locals to vote for politicians actively working to improve immigration.
He said, "We need to humanize these laws and policies. We need to understand that this impacts individuals and families. Because my wife was impacted by this, my family is separated, and I'm working every day to get her back home."
Saane Siale, another organizer of Utah for All Immigrants, also called for humanizing immigration laws, and pointed out that Maleny is just one of many impacted by U.S. policies.
"There are real families behind these laws and policies, and people forget that. We have to humanize it," Siale said. "I want to challenge people's perception of the immigration system, and to think about what can work better."
She said she wishes more people would put in the work to become educated and aware of the immigration system, which she called "outdated, convoluted and confusing."
"How are they supposed to navigate a system that's not actually meant to help them come here legally?" Siale asked.
"I will fight every day until Melany is home, and every other immigrant who deserves to call this place home," she added. "They did not choose the reality that they have to face."
Alexander Bybee, who works in Utah immigration services, also encouraged listeners to become more educated.
"We all need to be radically curious about other people, we need to analyze our assumptions about groups of people," he said.
He said even implicit acts of racism, such as promoting American exceptionalism, can harm people and contribute to a culture of anti-immigration sentiment.
"Let's recognize that all immigrants are people, that they are more than their status. Let's recognize that the immigration system often creates hardship for these immigrants, and excludes them from the resources they need," Bybee said. "Immigration is a complex systembut there is a simple and clear goal: all immigrants are welcome to the U.S., no matter what country they come from."
Gabrielle Shiozawa is a reporter for KSL.com.
Read the original:
Utah advocacy group rallies for immigration reform - KSL.com
- Archbishop Prez on the Need for Balanced, Compassionate, and Comprehensive Immigration Reform - CatholicPhilly.com - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Bishops across US defend migrants, calling for immigration reform in justice and mercy - Our Sunday Visitor - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Project Red Card aims to ease concerns over Trump immigration reform in Latino communities - WCNC.com - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Power to the people: governor, legislators want voters to weigh in on immigration reform - Central Florida Public Media (previously WMFE) - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Florida lawmakers file extensive immigration reform bills ahead of special session - WJXT News4JAX - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Executive Orders Are a Good Start, But We Need Lasting Immigration Reform. Here's Where to Start | Opinion - Newsweek - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Project Red Cards aims to ease concerns over Trump immigration reform in Latino communities - WCNC.com - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- David Reel: Addressing border security and immigration reform - Broad + Liberty - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- NMPF hoping for caution on immigration reform - Agri-News - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- DOJ Letter Bolsters Drummond Appeal of Injunction Against State Immigration Reform Law - Ponca City Now - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Emotional Selena Gomez breaks down in tears, vows to support immigration reform amid deportation policies - AS USA - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- 'El Norte' Director Says His 1983 Sundance Classic on Immigration Reform Is 'More Relevant Today' | Video - TheWrap - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Chicago mayor reiterates opposition to incoming Trump admin's immigration reform - Fox News - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Mann eager for immigration reform tied to border security, deportation, work permits - Kansas Reflector - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Rockford groups advocate for immigration reform ahead of Trump Administration - WREX.com - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Peoples March brings hundreds to Center City calling for abortion rights, immigration reform, and more - Billy Penn - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Jesuit Conference Office of Justice and Ecology Calls for Just and Humane Immigration Reform - Jesuits.org - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Idaho Sheriffs' Association calls for immigration reform and enforcement action - Idaho News - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Rep. Adam Gray looking forward to working with Trump on immigration reform - KTXL FOX 40 Sacramento - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Changing minds on immigration reform means changing voters priorities, not just their positions - LSE - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- USCCB issues Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform - Diocese of Raleigh - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- NWRA commentary: Comprehensive immigration reform could be legacy defining moment for the second Trump administration - Waste Today Magazine - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- An Immigration Reform Agenda for the 119th Congress - Federation for American Immigration Reform - December 25th, 2024 [December 25th, 2024]
- Immigration reform must end funding of states with sanctuary cities - Waterbury Republican American - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- YORK: Written off for dead, immigration reform could still live - The Albany Herald - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Floridas Impressive Effort to Stop Illegal Immigration Still Has One Item to Fix - Federation for American Immigration Reform - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Letter to the Editor | Trump's promised immigration reform won't happen - The Daily News - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Trump makes picks that he thinks will help his immigration reform plans - KENS5.com - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Hirono co-introduces immigration reform bill - Spectrum News - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- OPINION: Beyond walls and raids: A case for humane immigration reform - The Nevada Independent - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- OPINIONS: Redefining the American Dream: Why Immigration Reform Cant Wait - The Proxy Report - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- With control of White House and Congress, will Republicans pass immigration reform, repeal Obamacare? - Northeastern University - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- ImmigrationProf Blog: Immigration Article of the Day: What Congress Needs to Break the Immigration Reform Stalemate by Maryam Stevenson - Law... - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- US Catholic Bishops Call for Immigration Reform Emphasizing Fairness and Humanity - Mwakilishi.com - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Urgent immigration reform needed to protect migrant workers in the care sector, Work Rights Centre says - Electronic Immigration Network - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Tariffs, tax cuts, and immigration reform: Trump's blueprint for second term - The Business Standard - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- With Immigration Reform on the Table, Advocates Put Human Face on Califs Migrant Farmworkers - San Diego Voice and Viewpoint - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- WHAT DID THE CANDIDATES SAY: Immigration reform on the City College Community Agenda, November 2024 - City Times - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- As a Latina Daughter of Immigrants, I'm Voting For Immigration Reform - POPSUGAR - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Immigration reform imperative to addressing workforce shortages in long-term care: speaker - McKnight's Senior Living - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Mi Familia Vota and SEIU rally for workers' rights and immigration reform in Nevada - News3LV - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- In the Age of Trump, the Business Lobby Has Strayed from Immigration Reform - ProPublica - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Race For IL-11: Evans On Immigration Reform, Hopes To Bring Back A "First Safe Country" Policy - WREX.com - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Another View: Baseball and immigration reform could be on a collision course - Marin Independent Journal - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Illegal Immigration Continued at Record Levels in FY 2024, Even as the Biden-Harris Administration Went to Great Lengths to Hide It - Federation for... - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Essex County greenhouse growers not impacted by immigration reform announced Thursday - CTV News Windsor - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- US Election 2024: Kamala Harris calls out Trump's fear-mongering tactics, accuses him of sabotaging immigration reform | Today News - Mint - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- How immigration reform will supercharge the labor market, reduce national debt by over $600 billion in the next 2 decades: Research Affiliates CIO -... - October 9th, 2024 [October 9th, 2024]
- Harris calls for tougher border security, immigration reform in Arizona - The Hill - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- Change Required: Immigration Reform is an Economic Necessity - Research Affiliates - Commentaries - Advisor Perspectives - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - KFVS - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - KCTV 5 - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - KSWO - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - WIS News 10 - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - KTRE - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - KNOE - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - KMVT - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - WTVM - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - WTOK - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - WAVE 3 - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - Gray DC - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - WAFB - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform one of several top focus areas in 2024 presidential election - KY3 - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Daily Minute: Horse racing returns; coalition calls for immigration reform; Northeast football makes comeback - Lincoln Journal Star - September 24th, 2024 [September 24th, 2024]
- Immigration reform can start with repeal of the 3/10-year bar | Op-Ed - The Seattle Times - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Mother of Rachel Morin testifies before Congress in immigration reform hearing - CBS Baltimore - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- 'Immigration reform has to happen': Star chef Jos Andrs gets real about the politics of the moment - Fast Company - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Calls grow for Biden to prioritize immigration reform ahead of election: 'It's time' - WBBM - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Winning messages on public safety and immigration reform - ACLU Pennsylvania - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- Immigration reform urgently needed to support migrant nurses and prevent exodus, Royal College of Nursing says - Electronic Immigration Network - August 27th, 2024 [August 27th, 2024]
- Former Atty. General John Ashcroft weighs in on immigration reform - The Sentinel - August 27th, 2024 [August 27th, 2024]
- Southern Az Rep. Ciscomani says comprehensive immigration reform not likely in Washington - TucsonSentinel.com - August 27th, 2024 [August 27th, 2024]
- Texas judge suspends Biden immigration reform policy - Avery Journal Times - August 27th, 2024 [August 27th, 2024]
- Century-old U.S. nativism keep immigration reform elusive. We have to stop it - NorthJersey.com - August 20th, 2024 [August 20th, 2024]
- Latino evangelicals push for immigration reform ahead of election - Baptist News Global - August 20th, 2024 [August 20th, 2024]
- Sen. Baldwin talks rural issues, immigration reform at Merrill Dairy Farm - WJFW-TV - August 16th, 2024 [August 16th, 2024]
- Latino Evangelicals Push for Immigration Reform Ahead of Election - The Roys Report - August 16th, 2024 [August 16th, 2024]
- PANEL: Impact of U.S. Immigration Policy on Black Americans - Immigration Blog - July 6th, 2024 [July 6th, 2024]
- Elizabeth Warren talks immigration reform at Kam Man Food in Quincy - AOL - June 8th, 2024 [June 8th, 2024]
- Migrants wait in vain for progress on comprehensive immigration reform Florida Phoenix - Florida Phoenix - June 8th, 2024 [June 8th, 2024]